Oshana Region tackles crime

The Oshana Region recorded 1 800 new cases over the past three months.

Among the criminal cases opened by police were 373 reports of theft, 335 house robberies and 23 cases of rape.

The police also recorded 19 suicides.

Oshana police regional commander, commissioner Naftal Sakaria, said it is the shared responsibility of both security forces and society to make sure crime rates decline.

"We should reorganise ourselves into neighbourhood watches and report crime on time," he said.

Eyes open

He said the police are enhancing crime-fighting efforts by putting boots on the ground and building partnerships with the community and stakeholders.

"We need the community’s support as the festive season approaches. The fight against crime is a shared responsibility, people must be vigilant," he added.

Sakaria urged neighbourhoods to work together and assured the community of police assistance.

He also sent out a stern warning to criminals.

"If you want to spend your festive season behind bars, you can go ahead, because we will be there to look for you and we will get you," he stressed.

He underlined that abuse would not be tolerated.

"We want people to enjoy their festive season. We know it is going to be full in the region, and especially now with amnesty in place, even those who were afraid to travel because of arrest warrants will be here," he said.

Traffic unit

Sakaria said, in addition, the police traffic unit is committed to enforcing the law.

Ten new traffic officers were recruited, he said.

"We are offering improved traffic law enforcement as a region, and it is part of our strategy to combat crime in the region."

He also added that drinking and driving should be avoided at all costs, as those who do so will face the consequences.

The Oshana police are set to launch a festive season operation for the region on 2 December themed 'Boots on the Ground'.